SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Laurie Siegel to its Board of Directors. Siegel is President of LAS Advisory Services and brings extensive experience in executive leadership and governance.
At LAS Advisory Services, Siegel advises leaders on aligning teams, organizations and cultures in support of strategic and operational goals.
SANTA BARBARA — In recognition of National Donate Life Month, Cottage Health has introduced a new tool that allows patients to register as organ, eye and tissue donors directly through MyChart, the same secure portal they already use to manage their care. This enhancement expands access to donor registration at a time when more than 23,000 Californians are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has appointed Melissa Ruiz, MD, MPH, as the Endowed Chair of the Pediatric Residency Program. The appointment honors both Dr. Ruiz’ contributions to medical education and the generosity of Lalage and Steven Rales, whose support has made the endowed position possible.
The endowed position will strengthen Cottage’s graduate medical education program by promoting excellence and innovation in pediatric training—supporting research, specialized education, and advanced technology.
“Dr. Ruiz embodies the values that define Cottage Health — excellence, integrity, and compassion,” said Scott Wester, President and CEO of Cottage Health. “Her appointment as endowed chair ensures that our pediatric residents will continue to learn from a leader who understands both the science of medicine and the heart of service, strengthening the future of pediatric training at Cottage.”
SANTA BARBARA — Dr. Douglas E. Ney, a board-certified neurologist and neuro-oncologist, has joined the Cottage Neurosciences Clinic, expanding access to specialized neuro-oncology care for patients across the Central Coast.
Dr. Ney specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors and neurologic complications of cancer and works closely with multidisciplinary teams to support coordinated care. He will practice alongside Dr. Richard Chung, Dr. Nicole Moayeri, Dr. Brian Walcott, and physician assistant David Barsky.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has appointed Ryan Kelly, Ph.D., as its first Chief Innovation Officer, a newly established role designed to advance innovation across the health system and strengthen strategic partnerships.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has been named to Becker’s 165 Top Places to Work in Healthcare List for 2026.
The recognition highlights organizations that make their people a priority and foster environments where caregivers feel supported, valued and empowered. Becker’s noted that these organizations invest deeply in their teams through competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, inclusive workplaces and resources that support work-life balance.
Weintraub is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with more than 40 years of experience in financial planning and investment management, bringing deep industry knowledge and governance experience to the Board.
Currently, Weintraub is a Partner in the Santa Barbara office of Cerity Partners, a leading independent wealth management and financial advisory firm in the United States. He provides comprehensive financial advice and oversight, with a focus on integrated financial planning and long-term wealth strategies.
“This partnership represents a meaningful investment in our local community and the future of healthcare,” said Scott Wester, President and CEO of Cottage Health. “By expanding access to educational pathways and engaging students early, we’re helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals and strengthening care across Santa Barbara.”
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital welcomed its first baby of the new year.
New parents, Jessica and Laurence welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Isla, at 4:41 am on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH).
Weighing 8 pounds and 16 ounces and measuring 20.5 inches, Baby Isla’s arrival marked an exciting start to the new year.
As the family begins this new chapter, a sentiment they shared felt especially fitting: “A beginning is the time for taking the most delicate care.” — Frank Herbert, Dune
“An emergency department visit for an older patient often brings about significant life changes that require attention beyond treating the immediate illness or injury,” said Dr. Patrick Glynn, an emergency medicine physician at Cottage Health. “Our team works together across specialties to address urgent needs and ensure older patients have the right support to stay safe and well after their visit.”
SANTA BARBARA —This September, in recognition of Sepsis Awareness Month and Sepsis Awareness Day on September 13, Cottage Health encourages the community to learn the signs of sepsis and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms appear.
Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. If not identified and treated promptly, it can lead to shock, multi-organ failure and even death. Globally, sepsis affects up to 50 million people each year and contributes to nearly 11 million deaths.
Cottage Health appoints Ganesh Persad, MSBI, CHCIO, as Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO). His first day will be Sept. 8, 2025.
Ganesh brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare information management, with expertise in digital transformation, clinical systems, enterprise technology rollouts and initiatives aimed at improving patient and workforce experience.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health appoints Matthew (Matt) Morgan, MBA, FHFMA, FACHE, as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective August 19, 2025.
Matt brings more than two decades of healthcare financial leadership and a proven ability to drive performance through strategic alignment and data-driven decision-making. Most recently serving as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Montage Health in Monterey, CA.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health’s Nursing Residency Program at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital and Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital has earned national accreditation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Practice Transition Accreditation Program® (PTAP).
This prestigious designation recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in supporting newly licensed registered nurses and those entering careers in acute care, as they transition into clinical practice.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has elected Dr. Lynn Fitzgibbons to its Board of Directors. A respected physician leader with nearly two decades of clinical and administrative experience, Dr. Fitzgibbons brings deep expertise in infectious diseases, public health and medical education.
She serves as Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and holds multiple medical directorships within Cottage Health, including for Infection Prevention and Control and the Cottage Center for Population Health. Dr. Fitzgibbons is a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. A proud alumnus of the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), she is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at UCSB. Throughout her career, Dr. Fitzgibbons has led local pandemic responses, directed quality initiatives and championed equitable, community-based care.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is proud to announce that Ron Werft, former President and CEO and now president emeritus has received the American Hospital Association’s (AHA) 2025 Board of Trustees Award. The national recognition honors individuals or groups who have made substantial and noteworthy contributions to the mission and work of the AHA on behalf of the hospital field. Werft was presented with the award on May 5 during the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has partnered with Clearway Health, a specialty pharmacy services company, to develop a specialty pharmacy program that enhances patient access to medications with concierge-level service at a lower cost. This collaboration brings personalized pharmacy support to Cottage Health’s specialty outpatient clinics, enhancing patient access to medications.
The program is designed to simplify the prescription process by assisting with insurance approvals, financial assistance, medication delivery, and ongoing support, making it easier for patients to manage their treatment without delays or added stress.
Dr. Handler specializes in treating a wide range of complex urogynecologic conditions, including pelvic organ prolapse (when pelvic organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum bulge into or out of the vagina), urinary incontinence (the involuntary leakage of urine from the bladder), chronic pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis, painful intercourse, recurrent bladder infections and vaginal cysts. She supports patients through every stage of their healthcare journey, from diagnosis to post-treatment care, working closely with other medical providers to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
SANTA BARBARA — The Cottage Health Board of Directors has selected experienced healthcare leader Scott Wester, MHA, as Cottage Health’s next president and CEO. Mr. Wester will assume his post April 7, 2025.
Cottage Health chose Mr. Wester after an extensive national search. He replaces Ron Werft, MHA, who will retire after 38 years at Cottage Health, the last 25 as president and CEO.
Owens is a partner with the global law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP and a member of the firm’s management committee. He has served as counsel to a variety of healthcare clients throughout California and across the United States, with a primary focus representing nonprofit hospitals and health systems in mergers and acquisitions and other complex transactions. His expertise also encompasses clinical integration and physician contracting, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and joint ventures.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health has elected Eric Seale as Chair of its Board of Directors. Seale succeeds Steven Zola, who served as Board Chair for a three-year term and will continue to serve as Immediate Past Chair.
Seale has been a dedicated member of Cottage Health’s Board of Directors for two years. Prior to that, he served on the Board of Directors for the Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital Foundation from 2016 to 2022.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health announces the opening of a new primary care clinic, Cottage Primary Care—Goleta. Located at 334 S Patterson Ave, Suite 120, the clinic is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is now accepting new patients. Scheduling an appointment can be conveniently done online at cottagehealth.org/gpc
Primary care plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. At Cottage Primary Care— Goleta, physicians specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses and chronic conditions, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care for health issues ranging from minor ailments to more serious conditions.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is pleased to announce the opening of a new location for its Cottage Heart & Vascular Center, designed to bring together several of its specialized cardiac practices in one convenient location. Located right next to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital at 221 W. Pueblo St. in Santa Barbara, the new building houses a range of services, including cardiology, cardiovascular diagnostics, cardiothoracic surgery and women’s heart care. The centralized location fosters seamless communication and coordination between the various specialties.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health announces the opening of Cottage Neurosciences Clinic in Santa Barbara. The new clinic provides access to comprehensive neurosurgical consultation tailored to meet the needs of patients across the region.
Under the leadership of a dedicated team of neurosurgeons, the Cottage Neurosciences Clinic is committed to delivering excellent care from diagnosis to exploring treatment options and ongoing management of a wide range of conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system.
“We are proud to be recognized by Seramount as one of the 100 Best Companies for Working Parents,” said Cara Williams, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Cottage Health. “This recognition is a reflection of our commitment to prioritizing the well-being of our employees by fostering a supportive and inclusive culture.”
SANTA BARBARA – Cottage Health, a not-for-profit healthcare system serving the California Central Coast, is proud to be CertifiedTM by Great Place To Work® for a sixth time. The certification is based on what current employees shared in confidential surveys about their experience working at Cottage Health. This year, Cottage Health’s employee survey scores were 24 points higher than the average U.S. company.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health invita a los miembros de la comunidad a ayudar a moldear el futuro de la atención a salud en el condado de Santa Barbara al participar en el Consejo Asesor para Pacientes y Familias, en español.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is pleased to announce the launch of the Cottage Women’s Heart Clinic, the first of its kind in Santa Barbara County. The specialty care clinic is designed to address the unique needs of women with cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease stands as the leading cause of death in women, responsible for one in three deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association.
SANTA BARBARA — To bolster local blood supply and contribute to the community’s well-being, Cottage Health, in partnership with Vitalant, is hosting two blood drives in February.
The blood drives are scheduled in Goleta and Santa Barbara on the following dates:
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2023 Physician of the Year Award, an annual recognition honoring physicians on the Medical Staff for their exemplary performance.
2023 Physician of the Year Award Recipients:
Paul DiModica, DO, Emergency Medicine at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital
Bryan Goldberg, MD, Emergency Medicine at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital
·Miriam Parsa, MD, Chief Pediatric Medical Officer at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
·Chase Warren, MD, Psychiatry at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health, in partnership with physicians Christopher Birch, MD; Erin Haggerty, MD; Michael Kenly, MD; Asher Kupperman, MD; Eli Kupperman, MD; Amit Nathani, MD and Amy Wickman, MD, is announcing plans for a new ambulatory surgery center in northern Santa Barbara County.
Upon opening, the new surgery center, which is co-owned by the independent community physicians and Cottage Health, will increase access to convenient, high-quality orthopedic surgical services and pain management. It will serve as a cost-effective point of care for patients throughout the region from Solvang to Paso Robles. The state-of-the-art, 12,000 square-foot center also will be licensed to expand its scope to additional specialties.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is expanding access to healthcare with a new, primary care clinic, Cottage Primary Care – Santa Barbara – Oak Park. The new clinic, located at 2329 Oak Park Lane in Santa Barbara is now open and accepting new patients.
Yana Gristan, MD and Arielle Kanner, DO, both of whom completed residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, are the lead physicians offering in-person and virtual medical care to adult patients at this new location.
Drs. Gristan and Kanner understand the importance of building strong patient-physician relationships and look forward to providing personalized care and treatment plans for wellness and prevention, early detection and management of health conditions.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health was honored to welcome world-renowned global media leader, producer, actress, author and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey as the keynote speaker at its Annual Medical Staff Dinner. Winfrey delivered a compelling address on the profound impact of the human connection between healthcare professionals and their patients.
Winfrey set the tone for an evening of reflection and appreciation for the significant role physicians play in the lives of patients with a powerful quote on doctoring by physician and professor Francis Peabody, who once said, “For the secret of the care of the patient is in caring for the patient.”
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is opening a new Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic to serve the community. The new clinic will create additional access to women’s healthcare, with a strong focus on a high-quality patient experience.
The new Cottage Ob/Gyn Clinic will be centrally located in Santa Barbara at 2416 Castillo Street, Suite A. The outpatient specialty clinic builds on Cottage’s existing services to provide patient-centered care for women at every stage of life.
Cottage Ob/Gyn Clinic is now accepting new patients. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 805- 324-9400.
SANTA BARBARA — Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (SBCH) and Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (GVCH) have earned a five-star rating, the highest rating possible, on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 2023 quality star rating report.
SBCH and GVCH are among 10 percent of surveyed U.S. hospitals that received five stars, the highest rating.
SANTA BARBARA – Cottage Health has received two American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards for demonstrating a commitment to research-based guidelines for the treatment of stroke, leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage Health is the first health system on the California Central Coast to offer Focal One’s noninvasive Robotic Focal High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment to patients with localized prostate cancer. HIFU, an outpatient procedure, is today’s most advanced technology for precisely targeted ablation of diseased prostate tissue. Dr. David Laub, urologist with Cottage Health, performed the first three procedures on June 23, 2023, at Cottage Outpatient Surgery Center.
SANTA BARBARA – Following a national search, Cottage Health has appointed Andrew Brown as the new Vice President of Advancement. In this role, Mr. Brown will lead fund development operations and work closely with the foundations providing critical fundraising support for Cottage Health.
Mr. Brown brings more than 20 years of experience in advancement leadership. Most recently, Mr. Brown served as Vice President of Advancement at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, where he successfully led The Macalester Moment fundraising campaign, a 4-year, $100 million fundraising initiative that exceeded its goal by 26%. While at Macalester, he also implemented community-centric fundraising strategies and doubled total annual fundraising.
GOLETA – In a display of community support and celebration of mothers everywhere, the 4th annual Miles for Moms 5K run/walk drew an impressive 550 participants. This event, held on the eve of Mother’s Day, paid tribute to the selfless dedication of mothers while also raising $100,000 to benefit Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital (GVCH).
Cottage Health is now accepting applications for the 2023-25 Behavioral Health Initiative Community Partnership Grants. The grant opportunity is open to organizations working to address behavioral health needs for children and youth and their families in south Santa Barbara County. Using evidence-based interventions, grantees in the initiative will collaborate on community-based work to increase access and use of behavioral health services and to improve the health and quality of life of adolescents and their families.
After a two-year pause, the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital Foundation recently welcomed more than 400 guests to its annual black-tie gala, the Tiara Ball, held March 25, 2023, at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Goleta. This year’s event raised over $500,000 to benefit emergency, trauma and critical care services at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
Organized by a 15-member committee of community volunteers and hospital staff, the event designers converted the resort ballroom with metallic spheres and dance floor, a celestial gold and blue color-theme, and ethereal floral arrangements. Heather Hambleton and Lisa Iscovich co-chaired the event, also known as The Party of the Year.
Following a national search, Cottage Health has named Lorenzo Olivarez Jr. to the role of Vice President of Finance.
Olivarez most recently served as Division Chief Financial 0fficer/Sr. Vice President at Baptist St. Anthony’s Health System in Amarillo, TX, where he oversaw financial management of multiple medical centers, clinics and physician groups and was recognized as Ardent CFO of the Year.
“We welcome Lorenzo to Cottage Health and Santa Barbara,” Kristin Tufvesson, Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, said. “His extensive knowledge of healthcare finance and proven leadership experience will be instrumental in providing oversight and strategic direction to ensure Cottage Health’s fiscal responsibility and continue strong financial stewardship to help grow programs and services for the community. We are very fortunate to have him in this important leadership position.”
Eric Seale has joined the volunteer Board of Directors for Cottage Health, a not-for-profit leader in providing advanced medical care to California’s Central Coast region.
Seale is a managing partner at Accufy Analytics, a financial software firm specializing in renewable energy financing structures. He holds a master’s degree in finance from the MIT Sloan School of Management in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton University in New Jersey.
To help increase access to care, Cottage Health is excited to announce that Cottage Virtual Care is now offered in Spanish. Launching today for California residents, Cottage Virtual Care – Spanish is always open, offering 24/7 coverage for virtual care visits.
Anyone can visit cottagehealth.org/atencion-virtual using a smartphone, tablet or computer to start a visit in Spanish. Patients start by creating an account and entering their symptoms and health information. Choose from an online interview or have a video consultation with a Cottage Health provider. Within an hour, users receive a treatment plan, and – if needed – prescriptions are automatically sent to a pharmacy of choice.
Cottage Health has appointed Dr. Miriam Parsa, a board-certified pediatrician and pediatric rheumatologist, to the role of Chief Pediatric Medical Officer.
As Chief Pediatric Medical Officer, Dr. Parsa will continue to help advance the development of pediatric services and community partnerships. She will also provide leadership in maintaining Cottage’s high standards of clinical quality and patient experience.
Dr. Parsa joined the Medical Staff of Cottage Health and the Cottage Children’s Medical Center in 2013 and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Rheumatology.
SANTA BARBARA — Cottage is seeing a significant increase in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases and urges the community to take precautions to protect those most at risk, especially infants and adults over 65 years of age, as holiday gatherings…
Cottage Health has announced its 2022 Physicians of the Year Awards, which recognize physicians on the Medical Staff for exemplary performance.
Cottage Health staff members submit nominations every year to the Physicians Reward and Recognition Team. The selection of award honorees is based upon the most nominations in four criteria: dedication to the profession and patients, respect and courtesy, collaborative practices, and efficient use of resources.
“Nominations for the awards come from staff who work closely with the physicians,” said Dr. Ed Wroblewski, Vice President of Medical Affairs & Chief Medical Officer at Cottage Health. “All four physicians honored have earned high praise for the care and respect they give to patients and colleagues. They always strive to collaborate with staff to do what’s best for the patient.”
Following a national search, Cottage Health has promoted Kristin Tufvesson to the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Ms. Tufvesson began her career at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in 1991 and has held several key positions at Cottage Health over the past three decades.
Since early 2022, she has been serving as interim Senior VP and CFO, and was previously Vice President, Finance & Controller. Her prior roles included Director of Financial Services and Director of Financial Planning & Decision Support.
